Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Oedipoda cincta Thomas, 1870, from Tesuque Creek, Santa Fe County, New Mexico
Trimerotropis cincta (Thomas) McNeill, 1900
Trimerotropis cincta is also the type species of the genus Pseudotrimerotropis, currently treated as a synonym of Trimerotropis.
Pseudotrimeropis cincta (Thomas) Kirby, 1910
Identification
Relatively small, distinct sharply defined dark cross bands on tegmina usually don't cross top as seen when folded. Wints relatively narrow, transparent yellow, usually with a greenish tinge, and with dark band narrow and curving. Often with dark cloudy colorint near tip of wing. Face with a "mask" created by blackish lines crossing face. Hind tibiae blue, pale at base, often with a darker ring near the base. Usually found in open conifer woodland and forest, or at least near trees, usually in grassy patches under or between trees. Produces a not too loud, usually interrupted, buzzing sound in flight. T. fontana and T. koebelei are probably merely regional variants or subspecies of T. cincta and differ only in coloration.
T. koebelei is distinguishable by its more western south Washington through California distribution. However, it does average lighter and more strongly contrasting in coloring. It is probably the same species as T. cincta and T. fontana.
T. fontana differs in lacking the "mask" across the face (usually), averaging less contrasting in coloration, and in occuring primarily further west. T. fontana and T. cincta intergrade freely where their ranges overlap, and many individuals in these areas are not clearly one nor the other.
Also similar is T. thalassica which has no "mask", has more greenish or bluish wings, and is found nearer the Pacific coast.
Range
Primarily in the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia and Alberta south to Arizona and southern New Mexico. Also in Black Hills and Pine Ridge region of Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Blending with T. fontana toward the west side of the Rockies in Arizona, Utah, Idaho, Montana, and British Columbia. Occasionally individuals fit T. fontana throughout the range of [i]T. cincta and visa-versa.
